Finding of No Significant Impact

U.S. Department of Energy
Finding of No Significant Impact
Construction and Operation of the Electron-Ion Collider Brookhaven National Laboratory
Upton, New York

AGENCY:

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

ACTION:

Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI)

SUMMARY:

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) conducted an Environmental Assessment (EA), DOE/EA-2138, which analyzed the potential impacts associated with construction and operation of the Electron-Ion Collider (EIC) at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL). All discussion, analysis, and findings related to the potential impacts of the proposed action are documented in the Final EA. The Final EA is hereby incorporated by reference. The selected alternative is to construct and operate an EIC using components of the existing Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) facility and to cover all foreseen maintenance, upgrades- including new buildings, roads, electrical distribution, and other enhancements within the RHIC/EIC Complex to ensure long-term operational success of the EIC. In accordance with applicable regulations and policies, DOE sent the draft EA to New York State, in particular the New York State Governor's Office, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and the State Historic Preservation Office for review and comment. Comments were considered and addressed where appropriate in the final EA.

DETERMINATION:

Based on the information and analysis contained in DOE/EA-2138 and considering the significance criteria in 40 CFR 1508.27, I have determined that the project to construct and operate the Electron-Ion Collider at BNL will not have a significant adverse effect on the quality of the human environment within the meaning of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement is not required.

Public Availability:
Copies of this EA are available from:
Caroline Polanish
Document Manager
U.S. Department of Energy
Brookhaven Site Office
P.O. Box 5000
Upton, NY 11973-5000
Telephone: (631) 344-5224
On the DOE web site at:
https://www.energy.gov/nepa/doe-environmental-assessments

For further information regarding the DOE National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process, contact:
Caroline Polanish
NEPA Compliance Officer
U.S. Department of Energy
Brookhaven Site Office
P.O. Box 5000
Upton, NY 11973-5000
Telephone: (631) 344-5224

Issued in Upton, New York this

25th

day of

March

Robert P.
Gordon

_

2021.

Digitally signed by Robert